Virtual Tour: Europe 2020 Continues with the Battle of the Brass

Today on Virtual Tour: Europe 2020 (May 11–21), we revisit a classic Philharmonic rivalry that played out on tours past.

It all started innocently enough in 2011 in Berlin, where Principal Trombone Joseph Alessi and then Principal Trumpet Philip Smith were looking for a place to practice. But things escalated quickly.

Before too long, a battle of the brass had ensued — one that would span years and cross borders.

Watch the Battle of the Brass.

(Videos by Chris Lee)